2009 Acura Tsx - F1-style paddle-shifted "Sequential Sportshift"

Essentially a redecorated and slightly tweaked version of the European-market Honda Accord, the new 2009 TSX grows slightly larger in every way possible. Compared to the outgoing TSX, the wheelbase grows 1.3 inches, overall length is up 2.4 inches and width swells 3.0 inches (over a 2.6-inch-wider track). Acura claims all this results in more room inside while facilitating better handling and ride quality. All we know for sure is that this TSX will cast a bigger shadow than the first one.



What isn't bigger is the engine. Honda's 2.4-liter i-VTEC DOHC four returns as the TSX's sole power plant. When lashed to a six-speed manual transaxle it will be rated at 201 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of peak torque. That's down four ponies from the 205-hp rating the engine carries in the 2008 TSX, but up 8 lb-ft of torque. Acura claims that the better midrange oomph means the 2009 model should launch harder, with better responsiveness through corners.

Since Acura specified these ratings are for the manual transmission, the assumption here is that TSXs equipped with the F1-style paddle-shifted "Sequential Sportshift" five-speed automatic will have slightly different specs.

Acura is pegging the mileage ratings for the manual tranny at 20 city, 28 highway and 23 combined. For the automatic those numbers go up to 21, 30 and 24 respectively.

Underneath, Honda's traditional Accord suspension package remains in place with double wishbones up front and a multilink independent system in the back. That ought to satisfy the purists. To that Acura has added new "dual-mode" suspension dampers which, it claims, adjust compression and damping characteristics "to suit the vehicle speed, cornering forces and road surface."



The interior is thick with luxury features including standard leather seating surfaces, steering-wheel-mounted controls, satin-metal trim, power operation of both the driver and front passenger seats, dual-zone climate controls and HomeLink. Bluetooth connectivity is included with the seven-speaker CD sound system and also includes a USB to pump tunes in from an iPod or flash memory.

Up beyond the standard spec stands the "Technology Package" that includes a navigation system with voice recognition control, real-time traffic and weather updates through the AcuraLink satellite communication system.

Safety-wise, Acura says the 2009 TSX's more sophisticated structure will do a better job of distributing crash energy than before and there are six airbags aboard to cushion occupants. In fact, the greatest danger in some accidents may be suffocation.

Ignore that, um, aggressive grille for a moment and the TSX's new, more angular body is attractively muscular. Throw in that slices-dices-makes-Lyonnaise-potatoes grille, however, and it looks like Acura is outsourcing some styling tasks to KitchenAid.